By COL Jim Rice, AW2 Director
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and was created to increase awareness about behavioral health and reduce stigma. As is true in the civilian sector, the Army also has a stigma associated with behavioral health. Stigma prevents many Soldiers, Veterans, and Families from seeking help. There are many resources to reach to for professional assistance, here are a few examples:
- Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health & Traumatic Brain Injury Outreach Center:
(866) 966-1020 - The Department of Veterans Affairs Vet Center Program Community Based Counseling Centers:
(800) 905-4675 (Eastern) and (866) 496-8838 (Pacific) - Afterdeployment.org
- Mental Health Self Assessment Program
Families and caregivers need support as well to avoid compassion fatigue. In order to help others, take care of yourselves. For some helpful tips found on the Real Warriors website to help build resilience, see below:
- Focus on the positive impact of what you are doing
- Talk to your colleagues/Family for support
- Set boundaries for yourself
- Stay physically fit
- Avoid comparing yourself with others
- Be patient with yourself
- Find tools for resilience
